PANAMA TRAVEL TIPS

2003

 

+        Luigi Calvo of Futura Travel (www.extremepanama.com) provided solid travel service and advice.  He was more than willing to work within a limited budget.  His fee was in addition to the cost of the travel services.  Panama City, 507-269-7326.

+        Jose Saenz provided transportation services inside Panama City.  This included airport pickup and drop off, city tours, and day-to-day taxi service.  International airport pickup and drop off was $20; National airport was $5 from my hotel; tour services were $10/hour, local taxi services run $1.25 and up.  Very punctual.  If Jose was not available, he arranged for someone else to perform the service.  Bocasfrog@yahoo.com; 507-222-5150

+        For folk art, the best selection and prices, go to the Balboa YMCA.  Located behind the YMCA is a building divided into a large number of small stalls, each operated by a different vendor.  There is a similar facility just a couple of blocks further south.

+        Driving a rental car in Panama, even during Carnival, was not a problem.  Using taxis in PC is a good value but when the need arises, I would drive a car again.

+        The Panama Caribbean diving was good.  Water temperatures were in the mid-70s (February/March).  Average depths were in the 20 to 30 foot range.  Lots of coral, sponges, and small fish life.  Limited larger fish in Bocas; more in Portobello.  Limited visibility over all.  Costs were reasonable at about $20/dive with your own equipment.  Number of dives/day ranged between 2 to 4 and in some cases I was the only customer.  All entries were back roll off of small boats.  Limited to no sun cover – bring adequate sun screen!

+        ScubaBocas does not have oxygen on its boat.  Twin Oceans in Portobello is a very good operation.  A late start was typical of both operations and sometimes limited the number of dives we could do per day.

+        Costs in general were less than USA.  Gas was $.50/gallon more.

+        Excess baggage surcharge was $.40/lb above 25 lbs. on Aeroperlas to Bocas.

+        Lots of Internet café access in PC and Bocas; none that I found in Portobello.  The Marbella hotel in PC provided this service, free of charge.

+        ITINERARY:
 
  22 Saturday: Houston to Panama City
 
  Hotel Marbella ($38.50)
  Calle D, El Cangrejo - Tel: (507) 263.2220
 
  23 Sunday: Panama City
 
  Hotel Marbella ($38.50)
 
  24 Monday: Panama City to Bocas del Toro
 
  Flight 482, 8:30AM (at the local airport at 7:30AM)
 
  Hotel La Veranda ($35)
  In the town of Bocas, on Colon Island
  Tel: (507) 757.9211
 
  25 Tuesday: Bocas del Toro
 
  Hotel La Veranda ($35)
 
  26 Wednesday: Bocas del Toro
 
  Hotel La Veranda ($35)
 
  27 Thursday: Bocas del Toro
 
  Hotel La Veranda ($35)
 
  28 Friday: Bocas del Toro to Panama City
 
  Flight 583, 2:30PM (at the local airport at 1:30PM)
 
  Hotel Marbella ($38.50)
 
  01 Saturday: Portobelo
 
  Hotel Coco Plum ($38.50)
  Portobelo, Colon
  Tel: (507) 448.2102, (507) 448.2309
 
  02 Sunday: Isla Grande
 
  Hotel Sister Moon ($50)
  Isla Grande, 30 minutes from Portobelo
  Tel: (507) 226-9861 / 687-9347 / 688-5320
 
  03 Monday: Isla Grande, Hotel Sister Moon ($50)
 
  Hotel Sister Moon ($50)
 
  04 Tuesday: Panama City, Hotel Marbella ($38.50)
 
  Hotel Marbella ($38.50)
 
  05 Wednesday: Panama City to Houston